Hair loss (alopecia) in dogs

Overview

Hair loss (alopecia) means bald spots, patchy fur or just thinning

fur. Parasites, hormone problems and allergies are all common

causes of alopecia in dogs.

It’s rare for alopecia to be permanent, with the correct treatment,

it’s likely your dog’s coat will regrow.

Book an appointment with your vet if you notice your dog losing

fur. Alopecia is likely to make your dog feel uncomfortable and

miserable.

What is alopecia?

Alopecia is a term used to describe either complete hair loss,

patchy fur or thinning fur.

This dog has alopecia around his mouth and eyes; he also has red, crusty skin.

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Most conditions that cause alopecia also cause other symptoms,

these other symptoms can help point to a diagnosis. Keep an eye

out for:

Weight gain

Weight loss

Changes in apetite

Drinking more

Red skin

Bumps or scabs on the skin

Dandruff

Itchy skin

Over grooming (licking and chewing more than usual)

Patches of dark skin

Low energy (lethargy)

Causes of alopecia

Common causes of alopecia in dogs include:

Fleas and other parasites

Fleas cause an intense itch and often alopecia around the

lower back, inner thighs, around the neck and ears.

Symptoms tend to be much worse if your dog has an

allergy to fleas.

Mites and lice often cause alopecia and crusty skin.

Allergies

Atopic dermatitis (atopy) causes itchy, inflamed skin and

often leads to patchy fur.

Food allergies often also cause skin problems.

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Bacterial skin infections

Bacterial skin infections (such as hot spots) often cause

red, itchy, bald patches.

Hormone disease

Skin and fur problems are a common symptom of some

hormone diseases.

Hormonal problems such as hypothyroidism and

Cushing’s disease both cause patchy alopecia and

darkened skin.

Ringworm

Ringworm is a very contagious fungus (not a worm!). It

causes circular patches of flaky, red, hairless, itchy skin.

Over-grooming

It’s normal for a dog to groom but if they over groom they

may start to develop bald patches.

Over grooming can be due to stress, pain or irritated skin.

Seasonal alopecia

Some dogs develop harmless patches of alopecia in the

autumn that don’t regrow for 6-12months. This can

happen year on year.

Seasonal alopecia is more common in certain breeds such

as the Boxer, Bulldog, Doberman and Staffordshire Bull

Terrier.

Inherited

Alopecia can be an inherited condition, meaning it’s

passed down from a dog’s mother or father.

Some breeds develop baldness e.g. hairless ears in the

Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Dachshund.

The Chinese Crested dog is bred to have no fur. Having

no fur can cause problems such as injury and sunburn.

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Scars

Scars left after burns or wounds can leave patches of

permanent hair loss.

When to contact your vet

Contact your vet for an appointment if you notice your dog losing

fur. The problem is most likely to be something minor but some

of the diseases that cause alopecia are more serious and can

make your dog miserable.

You know your dog best. If you are concerned, always book

an appointment with your vet.

Published: October 2018

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